The Commissioner for Health, Niger State, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining its polio-free status.
Dr. Bagana said that the fight against the disease must continue with renewed intensity and accountability.
The Commissioner made this known while receiving a high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), led by Steven Lauwerier, at the Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Minna.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the commissioner described the visit as a strong validation of Niger State’s leadership in public health and its sustained efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
He noted that although the state has recorded significant milestones, including the interruption of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus since 2024, the responsibility to sustain these gains remains collective and continuous.
“The fight against polio is not over. Sustaining a polio-free status requires vigilance, improved systems, and absolute commitment at all levels,” he said.
During a technical session with the delegation, Dr Bagana led discussions focused on strengthening upcoming Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs). Key priorities included effective micro-planning, enhanced supervision, improved vaccine logistics, sustainable financing, and stronger monitoring and accountability frameworks.
He stressed that quality service delivery remains non-negotiable, noting that every immunisation campaign must translate into measurable impact at the community level.
As part of the visit, the commissioner accompanied the delegation on field assessments to selected primary health care facilities, including Dr Idris Kuta Primary Health Centre in Minna and Tutungo/Tedna Primary Health Centre in Paikoro Local Government Area.
The visits provided an opportunity to interact with frontline health workers and assess service delivery at the grassroots level.
He said such engagements are critical in bridging policy and practice, ensuring that global strategies are effectively implemented locally.
Dr Bagana also commended the continued support of development partners, particularly UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), for their role in strengthening the state’s immunisation programmes.
He reiterated that Niger State remains committed not only to maintaining its polio-free status but also to building a resilient health system capable of responding to emerging public health challenges.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to intensify efforts ahead of forthcoming immunisation campaigns, with the commissioner stressing that protecting every child remains a shared responsibility.
